Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Italian theatre’ M.C. group of four attributed to Captain D. E. Harris, South Wales Borderers, late 2/5th Queen’s Regiment

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1945’ and additionally inscribed ‘Capt. D. E. Harris S. Wales Borderers); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, these last three all privately named, mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £600-£800

M.C. London Gazette 23 August 1945: ‘For gallant and distinguished services in Italy. - Lieutenant Douglas Ewart Harris (324910), The South Wales Borderers (Cardiff).’

The original recommendation states:

‘Lieutenant Douglas Ewart Harris, 2/5th Bn. The Queen’s Royal Regt.
Italy, Lake Commacchio.
Lt D. A. Harris commanded 11 platoon “B” Coy and took part in all actions from the MENATE landings to the fighting at the approaches to PORTOVERRARA when he was wounded. Throughout this period Lt Harris displayed courage and resolution of the very highest order. In the landings on 11th April 1945, he was the first ashore and wading through two dykes he reached his Platoon objective several hundred yards ahead of the rest of the Pl and by effective use of his tommy gun he took several prisoners and caused the rest of the enemy to withdraw.
In all actions this officer led his men, sometimes using a PIAT, sometimes a Bren gun and even captured enemy weapons, Lt Harris displayed aggressive courage of the highest order. On the 12th April he captured an officer and two men, one of whom was wounded, from a house which he himself tackled with a PIAT.
On the 13th April when his Coy was counter attacked North of FILO, the Coy Cdr was killed, a number of other casualties suffered and two of the supporting tanks were knocked out. Lt Harris at once took charge, reorganised the Coy and dug in. It was entirely due to his efforts that wounded were evacuated from a very exposed position.
Later, on April 18th, when leading his men against the enemy, Lt Harris was himself seriously wounded. At all times this officer displayed gallantry and determination of the very highest order and carried out all tasks given to him in a cheerful and wholehearted manner, even in the face of heavy opposition. He was completely indifferent to danger.’

Douglas Ewart Harris served with No. 1 Commando (3968443) prior to being selected for officer training and posted to OCTU. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers on 21 July 1944, and won his M.C. whilst a Lieutenant in 2/5th Battalion, The Queen’s Royal Regiment.

A single M.C. attributed to this Officer is known to exist in an Australian Museum. The recipient may also be entitled to additional Second War Stars.